STEP OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Notes from a small Recent humid weather has seen some shrubs grow out of control so action is needed!
With a pleasant but very dry spring, many plants here have proceeded cautiously – the blossom was wonderful, but general growth was unspectacular. In May, however, everything changed. When it finally rained, it was the sort of weather that droughtstricken gardeners dream of: consistent and steady precipitation to start with, then showery intervals over several weeks. The thirsty earth soaked it all up and the water butt and watering cans were replenished, seeds sprouted and the local mollusc population rejoiced. It was warm, it was moist and humid and the plants responded to these fabulously favourable conditions by going berserk. Big, juicy leaves and long, fresh stems appeared almost overnight to great and glorious rainforest effect. But with all this lush and lavish new growth, some of the taller plants have started to sprawl. The roses are an easy win when this happens; they’re planted along the fence so they can just be tied back in. Substantial shrubs are a different kettle of fish, however, especially when space is at a premium, and the Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ has recently become very lax. Flopping sideways and weighed down by yet more rain, it’s now impinging on its neighbours – particularly a fairly new evergreen clematis that I’m keen to see thrive – so it’s up for a bit of editing. The idea was always to keep it quite leggy by snipping off the lower branches so it behaves like a small, spreading tree rather than a large, rounded bush, so I’m removing the wayward stems and encouraging it back towards the vertical. This means the plants in the adjacent border will get the sun they need to get their heads out of the shadows and, once properly established, they’ll be in a better position to compete next season. In warm, wet weather, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on fast-growing plants to make sure those nearby aren’t becoming overwhelmed – and it’s not just shrubs that can be an issue. In a mixed border, annuals such as nasturtiums, which are often planted as a cheerful, temporary filler, can quickly smother the designated long-term scheme of herbaceous perennials and even young woody plants. If this happens take decisive action: pull out a few of the thugs and rig the fight in their favour!